Fifty-five first class petty officers from across the CIWT domain staff were selected to advance to the rank of chief petty officer.

"It’s a humbling experience to find out I’ve been selected," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class Mathew Shearn, assigned to CIWT headquarters. "This is a great honor, and I know there's an incredible amount of work ahead before I can be called a chief. However, I'm motivated and inspired to get started."

The chief selectees will participate in training and teambuilding events before donning their anchors for the first time, Sept. 14.

CIWT’s Command Master Chief Mike Bates offered words of praise and inspiration for the new selectees.

"These Sailors have reached a level of success that many strive for, but only the best achieve,” shared Bates. “The title of chief comes with great pride and tremendous responsibility. Over the next five weeks, our Chiefs Mess will work tirelessly to directly shape the future of these new chief petty officers preparing them for the many challenges ahead.”

Becoming a chief petty officer is more than just attaining rank. It is joining a group of brothers and sisters who are tasked with training and mentoring both junior Sailors and junior officers. Junior petty officers and officers look for guidance from their chiefs, whether it is on how to be a good Sailor or a junior officer to just simple life advice.

Bates also encourages the selectees to be dedicated to the process to better themselves for the Navy the nation needs, use their time wisely, and have fun along the way during this once in a lifetime opportunity.

CIWT delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.

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